Letter XV. To M. and Madame de Forax

The Saint congratulates them on the termination of law-suits, and exhorts them to a perfect union.

Annecy, 1 1 th November, 1 6 2 1. Thousands of blessings to God, for that at last, Monsieur my dearest brother, and Madame in every way my dearest sister, my child, you are free from these troublesome law affairs, in which, as if amongst thorns, God has willed the beginnings of your happy marriage to be passed. Monsieur N. and I. have made a little bonfire for joy, as sharing in all that affects you.

Well, now, although your pregnancy gives you both a little sensible inconvenience (my daughter who feels it and my dearest brother who feels it in her), I seem always to see you both with two hearts so contented and so brave in serving God well, that this very evil which you feel consoles you as a sign that not having entire exemption from all affliction in this world, your perfect happiness is reserved for heaven, towards which, I am sure, you have your chief aims.

O my dearest brother, continue to solace by your dear presence my dearest daughter. O my dearest sister, continue to keep my dearest brother in your heart; for as God gives you one to another, be always one another's indeed, and be sure, both of you, that I am, my dearest brother, and my dearest daughter, your, &c.